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In providing movie reviews on our site, CBN.com is not endorsing or recommending films we review. Our goal is to provide Christians with information about the latest movies, both the good and the bad, so that our readers may make an informed decision as to whether or not films are appropriate for them and their families.

Movie Commentary

Don't Shop Till You Drop

By Laura J. Bagby
CBN.com Sr. Producer

CBN.com
- New stilettos, a fabulous Coach bag, a faux fur jacket – advertisers say we can have all this and more with that shiny plastic credit card… or maybe several of them. And time and time again, our culture has fallen victim to that trap. Never mind that we can’t afford these things, don’t truly need them, and don’t have anywhere to store them. We got the “cash back” and travel points. Plus, it’s “normal” to be in debt. Everyone else is, so who cares? Thus begins the vicious cycle we call consumer debt.

But knowing that our consumer debt can ultimately lead to business failures, foreclosures, divorce, bankruptcy, and even suicide, it is time that we have more voices speaking “enough is enough – there is a better way.” The true call for change must begin with personal responsibility. That’s why I love the new movie Confessions of a Shopaholic so much.

We are enlightened both about the scary potential consequences of out-of-control credit card spending and the way out of the debt cycle – all within the context of a funny romantic comedy.

The film follows the problem-cause-solution model that advertisers actually follow to get us to spend money. Only this time, the audience isn’t being sold on spending; the audience is being sold on saving – saving money, saving a reputation, saving relationships from the brink of disaster. The audience is sold on this idea of reestablishing good character.

This is what our main character, Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher), learns about overspending with credit cards and what we should be aware of, too.

Credit Card Spending Can Lead To...

Greed and an insatiable thirst for more stuff – mall worship, “stuffitis,” materialism

A hoarding mentality and a cluttered environment

The inability to pay for essentials, like rent

Debt

Selfishness, lying, lack of self-control, and integrity issues – major character problems

I recommend this film for our young adults in particular who are constantly barraged by credit card offers and the “got-to-have-it-now” mentality, women who have mistakenly put their self-worth in their dress designer collections, or those who have worshipped at the altar of their local mall to buy happiness in the midst of a broken relationship, loneliness, and the like. There is a better way. And this movie models it.